Kokoda Track Memorial Walk

The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, nestled in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, is a heavenly haven for nature lovers and history buffs alike. The 1000 Steps Walking Trail, a true testament to one's endurance, takes you on a journey through lush, verdant forests and serene landscapes, making the challenge worthwhile. As you immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings, the trail reminds you of the courage and sacrifices made by the soldiers during WWII, adding a poignant touch to your experience. The symphony of birdsong and the rustle of leaves beneath your feet make it the perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle. After conquering the trail, treat yourself to a well-deserved break at the nearby cafe. With its delightful menu and warm, inviting atmosphere, it's the ideal spot to refuel and relax. The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is a must-visit destination for a rejuvenating day out amidst nature's beauty. Important note: This location can get busy, so be sure to go early in the morning to secure a parking spot.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Used to go frequently until the secret was out. Thought I’d give a return visit a shot. I was impressed. Water fountains at various locations which has appeared to have stopped the dumping of water bottles The steps track is now one way which saves you having to squeeze through or get knocked down by the energetic joggers on the way down. Unfortunately doesn’t stop some but whatever. I went around 6pm so less walkers at that time. Toilets have also been upgradedplenty of parking at that time of day. Just a hint, if no parking, find somewhere else or risk being fined. Plus if it’s that busy you will literally be like on a peak hour train and it’s not fun. There is the wider track to come down. Which is also a two way track. Once at the top keep going to One Tree Hill and see the memorial there. And don’t forget what the track is about, take some time to read the informative boards they have about. Certainly makes you appreciate the freedom and pleasure of walking

A popular rainforest track The track is not far from a train station. It has a big parking lot but I can imagine it will be crowded on a good day. I started the Kokoda track to go up and took the Lyrebird down, as Kokoda is one way. I recommend the Kokoda up because it has staircases. The staircases are well maintained with rails and many small stops to take a break. Finishing the track is definitely an exercise. Along the way, enjoy some views, history lessons, the natural sounds of a small stream, bird spitting, and the fresh air of a rainforest. There is water on top and toilets at the parking lot. The cafe at the parking lot is also good.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Wonderful place for people who's hiking for fun! Id recommend taking the lyrebird track first just to get some tough cardio in, then go to the one tree hill picnic ground. From there, go to dobson track and try going through a beautiful shortcut to clarks road. It was hard but the walk was so gorgeous. Id recommend having a small bite at the thousand walk cafe to begin and going to proserpina bakehouse later. The thousand walk area was pretty crowded, but towards the dobson track, it became much more quiet. There were a lot of places to refill your bottle as well as plenty of washrooms. it was clean and kept well, with no trash in sight. Lovely time!
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The place is a dedication to Australian soldiers, and there plaques which are extremely informative. Parking is not great, be careful where you park and get there early to beat weekend crowds. There are restrooms available. A cafe is also present but I didn't see it open, hence I'm not sure of its hours. There are multiple tracks one can enjoy. I really enjoyed the 1000 steps, a great workout. No I did not count them Views at the top are average, but I figure you don't this for the views Well signed, and perfect for getting some steps with elevation in. Great ambience with sounds of birds and very lush forest surrounding. Enjoy!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Fun, quick, moderately challenging, scenic hike. A narrow, 45-minute, 250 metre elevation, one-way up, dirt and stone staircase track. Overall around 1.5-2 hour loop from, and to, the parking lot. Or longer if you want to continue further North. With plaques commemorating the WWII Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, for which the track is named after due to the rainforest atmosphere. Busy during the day, so it is recommended to trek either early after sunrise, or close to sunset. Don't forget a water bottle. You may get lucky and see some native fauna, such as the noisy Superb Lyrebird. ‍⬛
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

We recently visited the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk and was deeply moved by the experience. The 1000-step climb was challenging, but it was worth it to see all of the memorials and tributes to the brave Australian soldiers who fought and died during World War II. The park is beautifully landscaped and provides a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. The walk is a must-see for anyone interested in Australia's military history or for those who want to pay their respects to those who have served our country. I highly recommend this memorial walk to all visitors to Melbourne.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

An awesome weekend or weekday walk. Be prepared for the car parking challenges regardless of the time of day or morning…but it’s worth it. People are coming and going the whole time. The photos show the two tracks, I recommend going UP the 1000 steps and down the other side. It’s a beautiful walk surrounded by trees (and shade). There are lots of rest stops with some seats to allow others to pass you or for you to pass other scenic walkers. The grounds have a lot of areas to picnic as well in addition to the cafe (we did not go to). Highly recommend for the whole family.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Difficult, but rewarding trail hike. There are so many tracks to choose from, I went up the Kokoda trail (which is one way) and back down the Lyrebird trail. Both trails are very tiring and demanding, but I saw a variety of people of all ages going their own pace. Reserve at least 2 hours to walk the whole trail. There are some beautiful picnic areas, and there are plenty of rest points along both the Lyrebird and Kokoda track. The Kokoda track is just beautiful, it follows a small creek all the way up, and has beautiful ferns on either side. Just be mindful the steps are very slippery, so hold on to the handrail.

Great experience! Don't miss the opportunity to visit. Be prepared for real 1000 steps so depends on your age and condition it might take a while to climb. There are few drinking spots at the beginning at the bottom and on the top. I.e. we had 3 girls age 6, 12 and 13 climbed up no problem. However bigger issue was to walk down the hill :). This track is visited regularly by many joggers and some go up and down several times in a row. Nature is beautiful and some good panoramas. Choose timing according to the weather since it will be very slippery and risky during rainy days.

One of my most favourite places. Great workout. I'm a regular. You definitely need a moderate level of fitness to climb the Steps. Since reopening after the storm damage, the steps themselves don't seem quite as busy. The playground and barbecue areas have just been redone (not that i ever use these, but they do get busy on the weekends). I do get annoyed at people leaving their rubbish behind and bringing their dogs. National parks are all dog free and don't have bins, so be prepared to take your rubbish home if you visit.

One of the best hiking places I have seen in Melbourne with no so much crowd, parking is subjected to availability, cuz there are car parks available. It was raining heavily. Taking a damn water bottle with you is must . Need moderate fitness. Actually not for everyone obviously, my heart could barely withstand the tremendous effort of coming up here. It's a great trek and a perfect cardio test!Fantastic place to work out in nature.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Wonderful walk that can be accessible from the city taking the Belgrave rail line. Although the steps were crowded with school children on a weekday, you could either wait or pass them. Best to wait for them so you can enjoy the serenity of the forest and sound of bird song. One direction only up the steps and then I decided to take Outlook track, Ramu then Belview track town, which were almost completely deserted, surrounded by tall mountain ash trees. Such a gem of a hike only one hour away from the city centre.

Great workout. Kids and I went on a week day during school holidays, early afternoon. We did the Lyrebird (steepest) track and they managed it fine (ages 10 & 13). Would like to go back and do the main trail. There’s a great photo op in a hollow tree about 2/3 up. The playground had a couple of picnic tables, good place to snack on your way up or down. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Beautiful place to visit in Dandenong Ranges. It definitely gives you a great workout climbing those 1000 steps. You can read the history behind this memorial walk along the way. Great weekend location to visit with your friends/family. Breathtaking scenery as you walk along filled with lush vegetation and water streams. If you're lucky, you might come across a bit of wildlife too.

Great place for a quick (50min) hike. The Park is clean and has several spots for family and friends activities (including playground, bbqs, café, benches, etc). For the 1000 Steps track, would suggest bringing about a liter of water and a few "pre" and "post" workout snacks, sport sneakers and wear, as some of the Steps are steep or might be slippery. Great place!

Outstanding trek, I loved the feeling if being in nature around the ferns and trees. Felt like I was in Jurassic Park. Its quite a hard walk up the steps... but rewarding feeling once back down. I actually found going back down the grave track harder on my knees than going up.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The effort you put in to get up the 1000 steps is worth it. Even if only for the view you get when you get to the top. Not exactly the easiest of walks, so pack your walking shoes. Lovely break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy the quiet that nature has to offer.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Highly recommend to visit in early morning. Challenging steps but well maintained. Sounds of birds and creek will soothe your ears. Plenty of parking ️. Toilets and drinking water available. Best place to recharge body after busy weeks.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Not so difficult track anyone with a reasonable fitness level could do it. Would take 15 to 30 min depending on the fitness level. Tranquil surrounding. Ideal on a summer day. Many stops to rest. Could be slippery on a wet day. 1000 steps track is one way currently due to COVID. Could be used as a track to build fitness as well.

Very beautiful and dense forest. We can't see who or what's there more than 10 meters. Such a dense forest and the track is really amazing. Need to be careful during the rains but for nature freaks it's simply awesome. If we reach there by 7am you'll hear different bird chirping sounds which makes you fresh and energetic.

A memorial walk along the route taken by Australian soldiers who fought during the Kokoda campaign. Two paths are there one is rocky and steps the other is a path, good nature and when weather is good, fresh air and great views. Had a wonderful time climbing up the route
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Amazing scenery. 1000 steps was a challenge due to its elevation. We made it to the top and that was an achievement. Once committed, you can only go up. The weekend was a bit crowded but achievable. Would prefer a quieter climb to fully appreciate my surroundings.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Incredible hiking experience, both beautiful and a nice challenge! Worth going if visiting Victoria, especially if you live in the state. But try to go off peak because it does get busy which may ruin the experience for some.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Parking was a bit busy. If you wait for 15 min you will find one for sure. Nice place to visit for hikers Toilet is available (although noy very clean) You can sit on some benches for breakfast near the carpark.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

I love this trail. It's still doable in rainy/winter days but thrives in summer/spring. Is hard enough for a seasoned hiker, but also easy enough for someone looking for a small challenge. I'd recommend coming in the early afternoon for less crowds though
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

It's always a treat to breathe the really fresh air whilst trekking through majestic ferns and grand gumtrees. Its more about the journey around than the destination. There's not much of a vantage point at the top. The downward path is friendlier on the knees with the adjustments they've made this year.

Beautiful walking and hiking trails set in natural environment. Popular spot, with playground, cafe and public toilets. Busy on the weekends. I tend to avoid the weekend as climbing the narrow steps to difficult when too many people are there. Early morning weekdays much quieter. Parking on site.

The scenery is majestic. The 1000 step trail is definitely a challenge for those who want to experience what Australian soldiers had to go through. Don't forget to bring lots if water and take breaks throughout.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great for both the novice and more experienced walker. Plus the scenery is top class. Blend your fitness with the best nature can offer. Awesome to vitalise your body mind and soul
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Stunning forest scenery. Beautiful views which makes the challenging track worth it. Breath in that amazing forest air. Excellent cardio workout for all levels of fitness. Usually busy with other walkers. Perfect for forest bathing even in the crisp winter months.

A great hike!! A great boost dopamine for my weekend!! Steps are steep, it takes me only 30min to hike without stopping. Overall good experience to exhaust my legs muscles
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Loved every second trekking up these 1000 steps particularly in the cool morning air. Plenty of birds and wildlife to spot on your way up as well. Unfortunately for those hoping for a view at the top, their isnt much of one but its the journey that matters!

The signs are very clear and no risk to get lost. The most easy loop is blocked tho. Water available at the beginning and on the top of the loop. Many BBQ areas at the begging area. It's nice to spend time with friends or family here and enjoy the nature.

It was an amazing walk but also challenging exercise at the same time. After the 1000 steps to the top, it was a chill, relaxing walk down hill back to the beginning.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The 1000 steps Kokoda Memorial Walk is absolutely awesome. Weekdays are better as weekends are so occupied, particularly in great weather. Its good to stop and watch the markers showing the WW2 history of the Kokoda track. takes around 2 to

It's a nice one-hour or two-hour excursion that is suitable for almost all ages (5 to 65). Nice view with only 30 minutes drive from eastern suburbs such as Boxhill and Doncaster.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Incredible place and met many friendly people around here. The air is so fresh and the view is fantastic. Worth to go and need to give it a try.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Good place for relaxing at weekend and work out and fresh air! Many people including locals and tourists are visiting this amazing place!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Beautiful nature and great for hiking but we went on public holiday parking was full we have to wait until someone goes
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No

It’s a really good place for those who want to maintain a good fitness. Love the trees, nature sounds and you’ll see fog on top.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Amazing walk in beautiful forests in Ferntree Gully. It’s a 2.5km lush green walk for nature lovers and fitness lunatics.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Half way up I was frustrated at gf. 3/4 way up I was angry at gf. Haha. It was pretty tough. Note to self. Get fit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice walk, even with kids. We went with a few families, and we had 4 year olds and older making it all the way up and down. We also had a couple of babies being carried in a carrier by their dads.

Kokoda Track & 1000 steps are still closed, so we did The Lyrebird Track Fitness Steps which runs parallel to this. Hot day forecast so we arrived early. When leaving after 11am, the car park was

Great location for a date. Driving to the destination is real nice, and the walk isn't as difficult as we thought, but still super rewarding!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

It's a good place for relaxing or sport. There are so many options over there - hiking, walking, bbq.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Beautiful memorials scattered over a walking trail in the Melbourne bush, detailed accounts of the Kakoda campaign and an array of wildlife from deer, lyrebirds, kookaburras and parrots

Beautiful part of town. It was a vigorous hike up on the Kokoda Track and that was the medium intensity one. The Ramblers track was the easiest and the Lyrebird track was the steepest

This is a place for exercise or track training. For my own view, Not suitable for tourists.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It's a short route up with 1000 steps up to the top. Suitable to train young kids who are 12 years and above....
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait